The 95gr loading of the 38 special is not one you want to use for self defense. While the Silvertip is an excellent hollowpoint, in the 95gr loading it is simply too light to penetrate well when coupled with the fast expansion of the silvertip design. It makes the 38 more like a 380. While I do not have any hard proof ballistically, I would think the speed would be around 1000-1100fps.
The 95 gr loading was typical of the 1970s-1980s jhp designs. The tech at the time was to get really light-for-caliber bullets so that they would expand. Unfortunately, they did not penetrate well. Now, heavier jacketed bullets, even up to 135grs in snubs will expand. The 38 ammo available now is fantastic, although the 125gr Silvertip and 125gr Fed HiShock (pre hydrashock) are still in the top even though it they are old designs.
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